Herb: Water Germander


Latin name: Teucrium scordium


Family: Labiatae



Medicinal use of Water Germander:

The herb is anthelmintic, antifungal, antiseptic, diaphoretic, skin, tonic. Water germander was at one time esteemed as an antidote for poisons and also as an antiseptic and anthelmintic, though it is scarcely used nowadays. However, its tonic and diaphoretic actions make it an excellent remedy for all inflammatory diseases. It us also used in the treatment of TB.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Banks of rivers and ditches on calcareous soils and on dune slacks. A rare plant in Britain.

Other uses of Water Germander:

A green dye is obtained from the leaves.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for the winter and plant them out in the following spring. Division in early spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cultivation of Water Germander:

Banks of rivers and ditches on calcareous soils and on dune slacks. A rare plant in Britain.

Known hazards of Teucrium scordium:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.